Three flashing red lights on an original Xbox 360 console

Three flashing red lights mean that the Xbox 360 console or its power supply has a hardware problem. To find out whether the problem is with your console or with the Xbox 360 power supply, try these solutions.

Solution 1: Check your power supply cables

Unplug and reconnect your power supply. Here's how:

Disconnect the power cord from the back of your console.

Unplug the power cord from the power point and the power supply.

Reconnect the power cord to the back of your console. Then plug the power cord back into the power point and the power supply unit.

Make sure that all three power supply connections are firmly secured.

Turn on your console and check the light on your power supply.

Green power supply light: If your console has three flashing red lights and a green power supply light, your console needs to be repaired. The warranty period for three flashing lights is three years from the original purchase date of the console. If your console is not covered by the three-year warranty period, you can still get your console repaired for a fee. Start the repair process online.

If your console has four flashing red lights, make sure an Xbox 360 A/V cable is connected to the A/V port on the back of the console.

Red, orange or unlit power supply light: Try the next solution.

Solution 2: Try a power point in a different room

Turn off your console.

Disconnect the power supply from the console and unplug the power supply from the power point.

Take your console and power supply to another room.

Plug the power supply directly into a power point. Do not use a surge protector.

Reconnect the power supply to the console.

Make sure that all three power supply connections are firmly secured.

Turn on the console.

Note If the console now has four flashing red lights, attach an Xbox 360 A/V cable to the A/V port on the back of the console.

Check the light on the power supply:

Green power supply light: Green means the power supply is working. There might be a problem with the original power point or surge protector (if you were using one). Before you plug your console back into its original location, have the power point inspected or use a different surge protector.

Unlit power supply light: There is a problem with the Xbox 360 power supply. Order a new Xbox 360 power supply from our Online Service Centre. Console registration is required to replace a power supply under warranty (the power supply warranty is the same as your console warranty).

Red power supply light: Try the next solution.

Solution 3: Cool the power supply

Turn off the console.

Disconnect the power cord from the back of your console. Unplug the power cord from the power point and from the power supply unit.

Plug the power cord back into the console, reconnect the power cord to the power supply and then plug the power cord into a different power point. Make sure the power supply is positioned so that it gets good ventilation.

Turn on the console and check the power supply light.

If the light on your power supply is still red, your power supply needs to be replaced. Order a new Xbox 360 power supply from our Online Service Centre. Console registration is required to replace a power supply under warranty (the power supply warranty is the same as your console warranty).